Science education with fauna sidewalk: contributions to the conservation of the municipal natural park of the hills (Brazil)

Abstract

The municipality of Santa Maria (Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil) is contemplated by a Comprehensive Protection Unit, in the category of Municipal Natural Park, called “Parque Natural Municipal dos Morros” (PNMM), located in a zone of geomorphological and phytoecological transition where, to the north is the characteristic relief of the Plateau, covered by the typical vegetation of the Atlantic Forest Biome and, to the south, the typical relief of the Central Depression, features of the Pampa Biome. This transition provides the region with a wealth of biodiversity through the interpenetration of fauna and flora. Inspired by this context, the collection “Calçada da Fauna” was created, a set of plaster molds, with the footprints of the animals native to PNMM. This work aims to present the educational experience with this collection, aiming to promote environmental awareness about the PNMM and enhance the teaching and learning process of science in elementary school. The sequence of planned activities was supported in the Three Pedagogical Moments: Initial Problematization, Organization and Application of knowledge. Conducting the activity “Calçada da Fauna” proved to be more than a pedagogical action, being an activity to connect students to the Municipal Natural Park of Morros and foster the feeling of belonging, encouraging them to become an active defender of this space. By bringing the PNMM environment to school, the activity not only enriched the understanding of the local fauna, but also encouraged the valorization and preservation of this natural heritage.